There is an asteroid named Apophis. It is named after an ancient Egyptian god. This asteroid does not pose a threat to Earth, but Earth can change it.
In 2029, Apophis will fly close to Earth. Scientists believe that this close pass will change its surface. Ronald Ballouz, a scientist at Johns Hopkins University, studied this. He thinks this can explain why some asteroids look younger than expected.
Apophis is about 335 meters long. When it was discovered in 2004, scientists worried it might hit Earth. But now, they know it will pass safely. In 2029, Apophis will be less than 32,000 kilometers away—about 20,000 miles.
As it passes, its surface might shake. This shaking could change how it looks over time. We are excited to see Apophis as it comes close. It will be bright enough to see without a telescope.
The research results are in The Planetary Science Journal and available on arXiv.
Vocabulary List:
- Asteroid /ˈæstəˌrɔɪd/ (noun): A small rocky body orbiting the sun mainly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
- Surface /ˈsɜːrfɪs/ (noun): The outermost layer or boundary of an object.
- Change /ʧeɪndʒ/ (verb): To make something different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone.
- Pass /pæs/ (verb): To move past or go by something.
- Shake /ʃeɪk/ (verb): To move or cause to move back and forth or up and down with quick movements.
- Bright /braɪt/ (adjective): Emitting or reflecting much light; vivid or colorful.
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